Hepatic Chemoembolization – TACE
TACE
About the clinic
The clinic in southern Germany is a private specialist clinic with a focus on oncology. It offers:
Questions about TACE?
Contact us for a non-binding consultation.
Hepatic Chemoembolization – TACE
Targeted treatment directly in the liver
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a minimally invasive interventional oncology procedure for treating liver tumors, in which chemotherapy is administered directly into the blood vessels supplying the tumor.
Unlike systemic chemotherapy, TACE focuses treatment locally on the liver, thereby helping to fight the tumor while reducing the burden on the rest of the body.
What is TACE?
TACE combines two therapeutic effects:
- Local chemotherapy
A high concentration of anticancer drugs is delivered directly to the tumor. - Embolization
The tumor’s blood supply is interrupted, causing the cancer cells to “starve”.
This dual approach can help slow tumor growth, reduce the size of lesions, and support disease control.
When is TACE used?
TACE may be considered for patients with the following conditions:
- Primary liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma
- Liver metastases from other types of cancer
- Tumors that are primarily located in the liver
- Patients who are not eligible for surgery
- Patients awaiting a liver transplant
- Tumor control before or in conjunction with other therapies
Each case requires a thorough medical evaluation by an experienced team specializing in liver cancer and interventional radiology.
How the process works
What does the hepatic chemoembolization procedure involve?
The procedure is performed by an experienced interventional radiologist from our team, who inserts a catheter into the femoral artery in the groin. To prevent pain or discomfort, a mild sedative or a local anesthetic is administered.
The catheter is then guided along the femoral artery to the hepatic artery, which supplies the liver. Once the catheter is positioned in the liver, chemotherapy is injected into the catheter.
After chemotherapy, a special gel or a few drops are injected into the catheter. This is done to interrupt blood flow to the tumor, which kills the cancer cells by cutting off their oxygen supply. It also helps the chemotherapy remain in the liver longer.
Chemoembolization thus takes a two-pronged approach: First, local chemotherapy is administered, and then the blood and oxygen supply is cut off.
Potential Benefits of TACE
- Minimally invasive
- Localized treatment within the liver
- Lower systemic drug exposure compared to standard chemotherapy
- May be repeated if medically indicated
- May help control tumor growth
- The size of the tumor is reduced
- Tumor growth is controlled
- Pain relief
- Improved Quality of Life
- Can be combined with other cancer treatments
- May improve eligibility for surgery or transplantation in selected patients
A personalized treatment plan for liver cancer
At IASO, TACE is not viewed as a single, isolated procedure.
We help patients gain access to advanced liver-targeted therapies as part of a coordinated oncology treatment plan, which may include the following:
- Interventional Radiology Examination
- MRI/CT Scan of the Liver
- Tumor Board Meeting
- Molecular and Metabolic Profiling
- Options for immunotherapy or targeted therapy
- Hyperthermia or integrative support
- Nutrition and Recovery Support
- International Patient Coordination
Who is this treatment suitable for?
TACE may be an appropriate treatment option if the disease is primarily localized in the liver and the patient has adequate liver function.
Suitability depends on:
- Tumor type and size
- Number and Location of Lesions
- Liver function
- General state of health
- Previous Treatments
- Participation of the Pfortader
- Overall Goal of Treatment
A medical examination by a specialist is essential.
Why should you choose our access program?
International Coordination
We guide patients through the entire process, from reviewing their medical records to planning their treatment.
Access to Experienced Centers
We refer patients to hospitals and specialists with experience in liver-targeted cancer therapies.
Individual treatment strategy
TACE can be combined with other modern oncological treatment options if needed.
Support Before, During, and After Treatment
We help with organizing documents, translations, appointments, travel planning, and coordinating follow-up exams.
Start with a medical case review
Please send us your medical reports, imaging records, and treatment history. Our team will help you determine whether TACE or another liver-targeted therapy might be appropriate for your case.